I wrote IELTS (Academic) last week and passed with an average of 8.
My total prep time was 4-5 hours.
So a few more people than the one being assisted by @MoeChanda also came to the DM after I offered to assist with the little info I know.
Therefore, I'll make it a thread.
My total prep time was 4-5 hours.
So a few more people than the one being assisted by @MoeChanda also came to the DM after I offered to assist with the little info I know.
Therefore, I'll make it a thread.
1. First, disclaimer: don't under prepare. Know how YOU learn.
I generally am a procrastinator on all things exam prep but it mostly works for me.
I also understand how I learn.
I familiarize with exam and the questions structure, then do a few examples, am good to go.
I generally am a procrastinator on all things exam prep but it mostly works for me.
I also understand how I learn.
I familiarize with exam and the questions structure, then do a few examples, am good to go.
2. Register for the exam and select dates that will give you enough prep time.
Because covid it's now a computer based exam mostly.
This is important because if you prefer paper you NEED to psyche yourself for a different experience.
Get comfortable with a desktop and mouse
Because covid it's now a computer based exam mostly.
This is important because if you prefer paper you NEED to psyche yourself for a different experience.
Get comfortable with a desktop and mouse
3. Also select the correct type of exam. I went for academic because I need it for school.
The least average band I've seen required by schools is 6. Some 7.
Aim for 7 at least for all 4 sections, as some schools want an average 7 with not less than 7 in any aspect.
Focus
The least average band I've seen required by schools is 6. Some 7.
Aim for 7 at least for all 4 sections, as some schools want an average 7 with not less than 7 in any aspect.
Focus
4. Once you register listen to ALL the introductory prep videos that explain each facet of the exam.
It helps to know what is being tested, and how it will be tested.
Do it logically - Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking.
All of the explainer videos please.
Be familiar
It helps to know what is being tested, and how it will be tested.
Do it logically - Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking.
All of the explainer videos please.
Be familiar
5. Next, focus on each of the 4 areas. For me, going through a full mock helped. Not writing, but watching a video.
Am pressed for time can't share links but on YouTube search for IELTS Computer Listening Test.
Watch in FULL as someone takes the test and answers whilst timed.
Am pressed for time can't share links but on YouTube search for IELTS Computer Listening Test.
Watch in FULL as someone takes the test and answers whilst timed.
6. Quick pointers on listening:
-Complete AS you hear, don't write notes pa side pls.
-Talk to yourself if you must to avoid silly errors
-Its very possible to score maximum points where there are numbers, addresses etc.
Familiarize with the accent: its a lot like BBC lol
-Complete AS you hear, don't write notes pa side pls.
-Talk to yourself if you must to avoid silly errors
-Its very possible to score maximum points where there are numbers, addresses etc.
Familiarize with the accent: its a lot like BBC lol
7. Then, reading. Again find a full YouTube vid with someone doing it and watch.
The idea is to quick scan first.
Do not go line by line - you may not have the luxury of time.
You can also highlight dates and names as you go using the mouse.
Then read the questions.
The idea is to quick scan first.
Do not go line by line - you may not have the luxury of time.
You can also highlight dates and names as you go using the mouse.
Then read the questions.
8. It will be a variety of things, some synonyms, some drag, some reasoning, some comprehension.
You will need speed, answer everything, guess where uncertain.
Do not, in the entire exam, leave anything unanswered.
Best prep for reading is to generally read a lot in life.
You will need speed, answer everything, guess where uncertain.
Do not, in the entire exam, leave anything unanswered.
Best prep for reading is to generally read a lot in life.
9. Writing has 2 questions.
I strongly recommend starting with the first one with 1/3 of marks because it has higher level of effort.
Interpreting things takes time.
Vary connecting words.
Second question is free writing.
Write MORE than the minimum words in both cases
I strongly recommend starting with the first one with 1/3 of marks because it has higher level of effort.
Interpreting things takes time.
Vary connecting words.
Second question is free writing.
Write MORE than the minimum words in both cases
10. Finally, speaking.
Watch a complete video example it goes exactly that way.
Don't rush, I had to be deliberate in slowing myself because I speak quickly by default.
Relax and use your usual tone, usual lingo. Be honest, lies will be seen through.
Truth flows easily
Watch a complete video example it goes exactly that way.
Don't rush, I had to be deliberate in slowing myself because I speak quickly by default.
Relax and use your usual tone, usual lingo. Be honest, lies will be seen through.
Truth flows easily
11. Speaking is your opportunity to wild, too.
Because it's a conversation trying too hard will cost you but being yourself will show natural flow.
Joke, even.
Once you make someone smile you have won them over!
Got maximum marks there: 9
A lot of my work is speaking.
Because it's a conversation trying too hard will cost you but being yourself will show natural flow.
Joke, even.
Once you make someone smile you have won them over!
Got maximum marks there: 9
A lot of my work is speaking.
12. Final thoughts:
Every part of the tests has an element of listening, reading, writing, speaking anyways.
When done with all the videos I highly recommend taking as many mock tests as possible. These come free with your profile.
The idea is to build memory & familiarity
Every part of the tests has an element of listening, reading, writing, speaking anyways.
When done with all the videos I highly recommend taking as many mock tests as possible. These come free with your profile.
The idea is to build memory & familiarity
13. And a word to parents: my English is generally great because I grew up reading a lot and as we joke with my sibs our dad prepped us for such moments he would even correct people singing happy birthday at church
(Mum was not amused, but to be fair its birth-day not bhethidhe)
(Mum was not amused, but to be fair its birth-day not bhethidhe)
14. So its kind of true that for IELTS you either have it or you don't (tukai) henyu - but anyone can learn
(Anyone can cook - Ratatouille!)
Sorry no gifs wrote in between moving rori rambofa.
Not responding to DMs pls reply and ask here.
No time.
(Anyone can cook - Ratatouille!)
Sorry no gifs wrote in between moving rori rambofa.
Not responding to DMs pls reply and ask here.
No time.
15. P.S. test day you will be socially distanced, need masks, baggage stored safely, no gadgets or watches or food and drink allowed inside. Usual covid rules apply sanitizing, distancing
You get a password for each of the 3 tests anew.
Full tech support by invigilating team
You get a password for each of the 3 tests anew.
Full tech support by invigilating team
16. If the tech fails, no worries. The system records all your answers as you go.
If it's really really bad, and you felt prejudiced, you can always formally complain before leaving and retake in need.
Also normalize reading and listening to podcasts for pleasure in life.
If it's really really bad, and you felt prejudiced, you can always formally complain before leaving and retake in need.
Also normalize reading and listening to podcasts for pleasure in life.
